Method for thoracic vertebral bone density measurement by thoracic quantitative computed tomography

ABSTRACT

A technique for measuring thoracic vertebral bone density (BMD) and coronary calcium score (CCS). Representatively, BMD was measured and averaged at three consecutive thoracic spines (3T) starting from the left main coronary artery caudally and averaging the results of the measurements at the first, second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral density measurement. The “reference”, as the 3T BMD value of 30 year old and the piBMD (predicted individual BMD (piBMD) were developed. Based on the “reference”, and piBMD, T and Z score of 3T formula were derived in both genders. The new calibration phantom of TQCT and LQCT was designed. The ratios of CTHU/mg/cc were obtained with varying scanners, which were used to translate the CTHU to density units (mg/cc) in BMD and CCS mass measurement. A processor capable of quantitating both BMD and CCS burden was designed. In image without a calibration phantom, formulas were created to quantitate BMD with a high precision.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a claims the benefit of the earlier filing date ofco-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/305,698, filedFeb. 18, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

A method for measurement of thoracic vertebral bone density.

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic disorder of bone. The WorldHealth Organization (WHO) estimates that 70 million people worldwidehave osteoporosis. The annual worldwide incidence of hip fracture is 1.5million, a number projected to grow to 2.6 million by 2025 and to 4.5million by 2050. Bone strength is mostly dependent on its mineralcontent and therefore the measurement of bone mineral content isimportant to predict osteoporosis-related fractures. The most frequentsite involved in fractures is the thoraco-lumbar junction, withmid-thoracic spine being the second most common site. The spine is themost sensitive site and is usually the first site to experienceosteoporosis fractures. The bone turnover rate of the spinal trabecularbone is significantly higher than the cortical bone (the spinaltrabecular bone remodeling rate is 5-10 times higher than the corticalbone).

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is a technique forthree-dimensional bone mineral density (BMD) measurement. The bonedensity can be measured separately in the trabecular and cortical bonecompartments. Therefore, thoracic quantitative computed tomography(TQCT) is an important technique for estimating and monitoring bonestrength, especially in thoracic BMD measurement.

Cardiovascular diseases in general and coronary artery disease inparticular remain the number one cause of death and disability in allindustrialized and in many developing countries all over the world. In2002, coronary artery disease, also referred to as coronary heartdisease (CHD), caused 7.2 million deaths worldwide. Each year there areabout 5.8 million new CHD cases, and about 40 million individuals withpreventable CHD are alive today. The presence of calcium deposits in thecoronary arteries has been well recognized as a marker ofatherosclerotic coronary artery disease and gives independentincremental information, in addition to the traditional risk factors, inpredicting cardiac events. Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) hassuccessfully been used to quantify plaque burden (by scoringcalcification in the coronary arteries) over the past 20 years.Currently the cardiovascular CT scan is used widely to estimate calciumscore and these scanners have obtained significantly higher temporal,special and contrast resolution with a significant decrease in radiationdosage using prospective triggering techniques. Current calcium scoringsystems have a step-wise increase in scores that leads to decreasedreproducibility using the Agatston score method. The most common currentscoring system is one that uses the peak CT density, with a score of 1applied for HU of 130-199, 2 for 200-299, 3 for 300-399 and 4 for 400and greater. This impairs rescan reproducibility.

There is a significant positive association between BMD values obtainedfrom the thoracic and lumbar spinal vertebrae (r=0.93 in female andr=0.88 in male). Even the cervical spine BMD is also reported to besignificantly correlated with the lumbar BMD (r=0.66 to 0.87). In thisaspect, it has been shown that the TQCT with CAC scans give an adequatemeasure of BMD with a high degree of precision and reproducibility.Therefore, the thoracic cardiac scan is likely to be a useful ancillaryassessment of bone mineral status in the population in general.

However, a significant difference in the BMD measurements found usingthe TQCT technique and the lumbar quantitative computed tomography(LQCT) technique has been reported (i.e., a different of 5.8-13.9%) andour study result (9.6% in female and 10.4% in male). This variation canbe caused by various factors: such as scanner type, scan protocol, scantechnique parameter, patient's age contribution, patient's status, etc.Bone density and loss rate have significant differences between lumbarand thoracic spines, therefore one cannot use current LQCT standard inTQCT measurement directly. The validating study is necessary to developa method and reference standard by TQCT scan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following illustration is by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate like elements. It should be noted that references to“an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to thesame embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

FIG. 1 illustrates a computed tomography scanner (CT) system.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method fordetermining thoracic bone mineral density.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method fordetermining thoracic bone mineral density.

FIG. 4 illustrates an image displayed by a computing device of TQCT andLQCT.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of calibration phantom used totranslate CTHU to BMD (mg/cc), to calculate CAC mass score and calibrateCAC score.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A technique for determining bone mineral density (BMD) by using thoracicquantitative computed tomography (TQCT) with coronary artery calcium(CAC) scan is disclosed herein. As previously discussed, there aresignificant variations in lumbar and thoracic BMD of the same object dueto the variation in scanner and scan protocol. The description providedherein discloses a technique for obtaining consistent BMD measurementsregardless of the scanner used. The technique generally includes the useof a CT scanner to obtain a heart image of a desired coronary calciumscan. Data from the CT scanner is reconstructed into an image by acomputing device. Beginning at the left main coronary artery level, thebone mineral density of three consecutive thoracic regions (3T) ismeasured and averaged to obtain thoracic bone mineral density. A T scoremeasured by the TQCT can be used to estimate osteoporosis in the generalpopulation. A comparable T score with lumbar quantitative computedtomography (LQCT) in a subject who had a previous LQCT scan can bedetermined using the formulas disclosed herein. Similar T scores betweenTQCT and LQCT can be obtained using the formulas disclosed herein.

As previously discussed, current calcium scoring systems have astep-wise increase in scores that leads to decreased reproducibilityusing the Agatston score method. The most common current scoring systemis one that uses the peak CT density, with a score of 1 applied for HUof 130-199, 2 for 200-299, 3 for 300-399 and 4 for 400 and greater. Thisimpairs rescan reproducibility. For those reasons, the new scoringmethod disclosed herein uses the mean (not peak CTHU) CTHU/100 as thecalcium lesion density scale. In particular, the score=area (mm2)×meanCTHU/100. At the time of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, the BMD ofmid to lower thoracic spine can be measured simultaneously by using theTQCT technique.

A formula to translate the CTHU to mg/cm³ may be generated and also usedin CT CAC scan without calibration phantoms.

The CAC scan (row data) is completed with cardiovascular CT (electronbeam CT-EBT or multiple detector row CT-MDCT) by using a snap shotprotocol. By using this row data, a reconstructed image is completedwith a field of view size (FOV) in 35-40 cm. In these images, the heartand 3-4 entire thoracic spine regions are included on mid to endthoracic segments. A computing device is used to measure the score ofcalcium burden and to estimate the risk possibility of coronary arterydisease in the studied subject based on the images. A computing devicemay further be used to measure BMD from the images. The thoracic spinenumber and starting level covered by these CAC scans varies. The site oforigin of left main (LM) coronary artery in all scans was at the levelof T7, T8, T6 and T9 in about 50%, 30%, 19% and 1% cases respectively(computed from 300 cases with whole body scan). Three thoracic BMDmeasurements are made by the computing device starting at the levelcontaining the left main (LM) coronary artery. The frequency consists ofthree thoracic series in 50%, 30%, 19% and 1% in four groups (6-8, 7-9,8-10 and 9-11) respectively. The variation of measured BMD values withinthe 4 groups is about 1-2%.

The measurement of the thoracic vertebrae BMD was started at the slicelevel containing the left main coronary artery in all the CAC scans. Thethickness of the region of interest (ROI) was 10 mm by Q5000 and 6 mm byNVivo. The center of ROI was located at the center of the vertebrae at adistance of 2-3 mm from the spinal cortical bone. The cortical bone,area with large venous vessel, islanded bone and calcifying herniateddisk were excluded as much as possible from the ROI by using the freetracing protocol.

The mean BMD value of the three thoracic spines (3T) was calculated inall measurements. The 30 subgroups were formed based on two agingintervals in each gender (Table I).

The formula to calculate a predicted individual BMD (piBMD) in bothgenders was generated using the 30 subgroup data. The aging piBMD valuefrom 30 to 90 years in general population was computed by using theformulas in each gender (Table 2).

The formula used to calculate predicted individual BMD (piBMD) in eachgender was:

piBMD (mg/cm³)=274.03−0.008×age²−1.304×age (mg/cc) (R=0.99, P<0.001) infemales;

and

piBMD (mg/cm³)=272.99−1.772×age (R=0.99, P<0.001) in males.

The BMD of the 30 year old group (yBMD) in both genders was defined as a‘standard’ for the young women and men. The common standard deviation(SD) of piBMD from 30 to 90 years in both gender were calculated.

The value of yBMD in the young group (30 years) was 221.9 mg/cm³ infemales and 215.2 mg/cm³ in males. The mean standard deviation (SD) ofboth genders was 36 (in female) and 32 (in male) mg/cm³. The T scoreformula by the TQCT measurement with the CAC scan was derived based onthe young piBMD and the SD. T score=(individual mBMD-221.9)/36 infemales; T score=(individual mBMD-215.2)/32 in males. The Z score ofmBMD in general individual was calculated by the formula Zscore=(individual mBMD-individual piBMD)/36 (or 32) in female or malerespectively. In comparing the young group, a T score value of less than2.5 is osteoporosis in any aging groups. The Z score value can be usedto estimate osteoporosis in any aging group.

The measured thoracic BMD in each subject was significantly higher thanthe LQCT measurement (by 20.7% in females and 17.0% in males, P<0.001).A significant positive correlation was found to exist between the TQCTand the LQCT measurements (R>0.84, P<0.001). Based on the foregoing, itwas determined that a modified formula for T score measurement by TQCT,which is comparable to the T score obtained by the LQCT, was needed.

The TQCT formulas can be used to measure BMD with the CAC scan directly,while in patients with a previous LQCT-BMD study, a modified TQCTformula can be used to obtain comparable T score value with prior study.Due to significant difference in thoracic and lumbar BMD value and lossrate per year, therefore, there is significant difference in T and Zscore measured by TQCT and LQCT.

The QCT technique is a method to measure the bone CTHU and translate theCTHU to mg/cm³. The translating function is performed by the plugs ofcalibration phantom. The other function of the calibration phantom iscorrecting the variation in inter-scans, inter-objects, inter-scanprotocols commonly. The variation in inter-scan is more important thanothers. The techniques disclosed herein allow for the measurement of thethoracic spine CTHU followed by translation to mg/cm³ in a patient scanwithout the calibration phantom by using formulas.

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of a computed tomography (CT) system. The CTsystem may be an X-ray CT device including gantry unit 100 and computingdevice 101. Although an X-ray CT device is described herein, it isfurther contemplated that the CT device may be an electron beam CT.Gantry unit 100 is designed to acquire projection data associated with asubject to be examined. Gantry unit 100 includes X-ray tube 102 andX-ray detector 104. X-ray detector 104 may be a 64-row multi-slice typedetector (multi-row type detector) which covers the heart area. In otherembodiments, a single-slice type detector (single-row detector) may beused as X-ray detector 104.

X-ray tube 102 and X-ray detector 104 may be mounted on a ring-shapedrotating frame 104 which is rotated/driven by gantry driving unit 110.In one embodiment, the rotation axis of rotating frame 104 is defined asthe Z-axis. In a rotating coordinate system centered on the Z-axis, anaxis perpendicular to the Z-axis which connects the focal point of X-raytube 102 and the center of the detection surface of X-ray detector 104is defined as the X-axis. The Y-axis is perpendicular to both the Z-axisand the X-axis.

An opening portion is formed in both the central portion of rotatingframe 104 and the housing. In imaging operation, a subject 114 placed ontop 120 of support unit 116 is inserted into the opening portion.

A high voltage generator 108 applies a tube voltage (high voltage)between the cathode and the anode of X-ray tube 102. The high voltagegenerator 108 also supplies a filament current to the filament of X-raytube 102. X-rays are generated from X-ray tube 102 by the application ofthe tube voltage and the supply of the filament current.

X-ray detector 104 may have a plurality of X-ray detection elements.Data acquisition unit 112 generally called a DAS (Data AcquisitionSystem) converts a signal output from X-ray detector 104 for eachchannel into a voltage signal, amplifies it, and further converts itinto a digital signal. This data (also called pure raw data) is suppliedto computing device 101 placed outside gantry 100. Computing device 101may be any computing device capable of performing program execution suchas a desktop, laptop, handheld, server or other similarly suitable typeof wired or wireless computing device.

Pre-processing unit 124 of computing device 101 performs pre-processingsuch as sensitivity correction for the pure raw data output from dataacquisition unit 112. The pre-processed pure raw data is called raw dataor projection data. In this case, such data will be genetically calledprojection data.

Projection data may be stored in storage unit 126 while codesrepresenting a view representing the rotation angle of X-ray tube 102 atthe time of data acquisition, a row number, and the position of top 120are associated with each other. Although this embodiment will exemplifya case wherein projection data obtained by helical scanning isprocessed, dynamic scanning is further contemplated.

Storage unit 126 may further include a machine-readable storage medium(or more specifically a computer-readable storage medium) on which isstored one or more sets of instructions embodying any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. During execution thereof bycomputing device 101, processing unit 130 may also constitutemachine-readable storage media.

The machine-readable storage medium may also be used to store theinstructions for determining thoracic vertebral bone mineral density.While the machine-readable storage medium is discussed in an exemplaryembodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable storagemedium” and also “computer-readable medium” should be taken to include asingle medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributeddatabase, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one ormore sets of instructions. The terms “machine-readable storage medium”and “computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any mediumthat is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions forexecution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any oneor more of the methodologies of the present invention. The terms“machine-readable storage medium” and “computer-readable medium” shallaccordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-statememories, and optical and magnetic media.

In addition to pre-processing unit 124 and storage unit 126, computingdevice 101 may include scan control unit 122, image reconstructionprocessing unit 128, processing unit 130, image storage unit 132,display unit 134 (The workstation to measure BMD of 3T and the coronarycalcium score), and system control unit 136. Image reconstructionprocessing unit 128 performs image reconstruction on the basis of theprojection data detected by X-ray detector 104. Image reconstructionprocessing unit 128 combines projection data of a plurality ofheartbeats corresponding to a set cardiac phase to performreconstruction, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the cardiacphase.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method fordetermining thoracic bone mineral density. In this embodiment, a scan ofthe heart is taken using a cardiovascular scanner capable of generatinghigh-resolution images (block 202). Suitable scanners may include, butare not limited to, an electron beam tomography (EBT) scanner providedby GE Imatron or other cardiovascular CT scanners provided by GE,Siemens, Toshiba and Philips and other manufacturers. Such scanners canfreeze the heart motion with a prospective EKG trigger technique at middiastole with a lower radiation dose and higher temporal resolutionimages.

After completing the heart scan, an axial image is reconstructed byusing a field of view size in 35-40 cm for enclosing the heart andthoracic vertebrae in the same chest image (block 204). The axial imagesare transferred to a quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and cardiacworkstation computing device. In some embodiments, the axial image isreconstructed at the computing device.

In some embodiments, the BMD of three thoracic spines 3T is determined(block 208) and/or a coronary artery calcium score is completed usingthe calculation disclosed herein (block 218).

The computing device may measure the BMD of three thoracic spines (3T)beginning at the left main coronary artery (block 208).Representatively, three kinds of images can be displayed in the QCTcomputing device, namely axial, sagittal and coronal images. The levelof left main coronary artery is displayed by adjusting a height fromsagittal or coronal images (FIG. 4 displays an axial image). Once thelevel of the left main coronary artery is found in the image, the cursorline is placed at the spine center (FIG. 4 displays a sagittal image).The center of the spine trabecular and plugs of calibration phantom canbe found automatically by the QCT computing device. The CT Hounsfieldunit (HU) and mg/cm³ can be displayed automatically by the computingdevice.

A first BMD measurement is taken at the spine level beginning at themain coronary artery. A second BMD measurement is taken at the spinefollowing the spine level beginning at the main coronary artery.Finally, a third BMD measurement is taken at the spine following thefirst two spines. The thickness of the region of interest (ROI) is 6 mmor 10 mm and the center of ROI was located at the center of thevertebrae at a 2-3 mm distance from the spinal cortical bone. Thecortical bone, area with large venous vessel, islanded bone andcalcifying herniated disk were excluded as much as possible from the ROIby using the free tracing protocol.

The mean BMD value of (3T) the three measured thoracic spines in generalpopulation based on two aging intervals in each gender are listed intable 1:

TABLE 1 The profile of 30 aging groups in general population Age rangeFemale Male (year) Mean age Number Mg/cm³ Mean age Number Mg/cm³ 30 3042 221.9 30 53 215.2 31-32 31.5 42 217.3 31.5 51 216.6 33-34 33.5 38215.7 33.5 55 215.1 35-36 35.5 35 215.7 35.6 66 210.0 37-38 37.5 39213.0 37.5 58 207.1 39-40 39.5 42 211.9 39.6 99 206.0 41-42 41.4 56209.9 41.6 119 206.8 43-44 43.6 89 208.5 43.5 152 200.2 45-46 45.5 118207.6 45.5 197 193.2 47-48 47.6 128 199.2 47.6 234 188.6 49-50 49.6 160197.2 49.5 286 184.5 51-52 51.6 213 190.5 51.5 298 176.9 53-54 53.5 242181.1 53.5 364 176.1 55-56 55.6 277 174.3 55.5 374 173.2 57-58 57.5 252166.6 57.5 354 165.8 59-60 59.5 201 165.1 59.5 351 165.9 61-62 61.5 264157.4 61.5 281 162.5 63-64 63.5 263 154.5 63.5 283 160.3 65-66 65.5 257153.5 65.5 303 154.7 67-68 67.5 222 148.4 67.5 251 154.7 69-70 69.5 196143.3 69.5 256 151.6 71-72 71.4 240 137.3 71.6 189 148.1 73-74 73.5 168131.8 73.5 189 144.3 75-76 75.5 149 126.1 75.5 165 137.2 77-78 77.5 111125.3 77.6 137 133.4 79-80 79.5 97 117.2 79.4 103 133.5 81-82 81.5 78109.4 81.4 68 132.6 83-84 83.6 52 108.5 83.5 61 124.9 85-86 85.5 31109.7 85.6 44 120.5 87-90 88.4 24 102.8 88.9 13 116.0

Based on the measured BMD data, the predicted general individual BMDformula is computed (piBMD) (block 210). The formula used to calculateaging predicted BMD (piBMD) in each gender may be: piBMD(mg/cm³)=274.03−0.008×age²−1.304×age (mg/cc) (R=0.99, P<0.001) infemales;=272.99−1.772×age (R=0.99, P<0.001) in males. The piBMD ingeneral population in each gender is computed and listed in Table 2below.

TABLE 2 The profile of predicted BMD (piBMD, mg/cm³) in the generalpopulation Age(year) Female male Age Female male 30 227.6 219.8 61 164.3164.9 31 225.8 218.0 62 162.0 163.1 32 224.0 216.3 63 159.7 161.3 33222.2 214.5 64 157.4 159.6 34 220.3 212.7 65 155.0 157.8 35 218.5 210.966 152.7 156.0 36 216.6 209.6 67 150.3 154.3 37 214.7 207.4 68 147.9152.5 38 212.8 205.6 69 144.5 150.7 39 210.8 203.8 70 143.0 148.9 40208.9 202.1 71 140.6 147.2 41 206.9 200.3 72 138.1 145.4 42 205.0 198.573 135.7 143.6 43 203.0 196.7 74 133.2 141.9 44 201.0 195.0 75 130.7140.1 45 198.9 193.2 76 128.1 138.3 46 196.9 191.5 77 125.6 136.5 47194.8 189.7 78 123.0 134.8 48 192.8 187.9 79 120.4 132.9 49 190.7 186.180 117.9 131.2 50 188.6 184.4 81 115.2 129.5 51 186.4 182.6 82 112.6127.7 52 184.3 180.8 83 110.0 125.9 53 182.2 179.1 84 107.3 124.1 54180.0 177.3 85 104.7 122.4 55 177.8 175.5 86 102.0 120.6 56 175.6 173.787 99.3 118.8 57 173.4 171.9 88 96.5 117.1 58 171.1 170.2 89 93.8 115.359 168.9 168.4 90 91.4 113.5 60 166.6 166.7 30-90 164.1 166.7

In T score calculating, the mBMD of the 30 year old group in bothgenders was defined as a ‘standard’ for the young women and men. In Zscore measuring, the predicted individual BMD (piBMD) value of eachaging group is the ‘reference’ value. The standard deviation (SD) ofpiBMD from 30-90 years in both gender groups was calculated, andadjusted (to obtain similar T scores to that obtained by scanning thelumbar region), as a factor to calculate T and Z score.

The value of yBMD in the young sample group (30 years) was calculated(block 212). The yBMD value was found to be 221.9 in females and 215.2mg/cm³ in males. The standard deviation (SD) of both gender groups was36 (in female) and 32 (in male) mg/cm³.

Next, T and Z scores were calculated (block 214). The T score is acomparison of a person's yBMD to that of a healthy 30 year old of thesame sex and ethnicity. The Z score is a number of standard deviations apatient's BMD differs from the average BMD of others of their same age,sex and ethnicity. The T score formula for the TQCT measurement with theCAC scan was derived based on the ymBMD and the SD. In one embodiment, Tscore=(individual mBMD-221.9)/36 in females; T score=(individualmBMD-215.2)/32 in males. The Z score of mBMD in a general individual wascalculated by the formula Z score=(individual mBMD-piBMD)/36 (or 32) infemale and male respectively. From the T and Z scores calculated, thebone status of the subject is estimated (block 216). Representatively,comparing the young group, a T score value of less than −2.5 isconsidered osteoporosis in any aging groups and a T score of less than−1 is considered osteopenia. The Z score value can be used to estimateosteoporosis in any aging group. These results are illustrated by Table3A and Table 3B below.

The modified formulas were generated in both genders, which are used totranslate the TQCT value to closed LQCT value in patients with priorLQCT studies and used in connection with the method illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3. LQCT T score=0.8789×TQCT T score+0.2688 in females; LQCT Tscore=0.8139×TQCT score+11.822 in males

As previously discussed, coronary calcium score may also be determined(block 218). In some embodiments, the traditional Agatston score methodis used (block 220). Using the Agatston formula,

score=calcium lesion area mm²×peak density scale (CTHU, in 1, 2, 3, and4), 1—CTHU 130-200, 2—CTHU 201-300, 3—CTHU 301-400 and 4—CTHU>400.

Volume (mm³)=Area (mm²)×thickness (mm)

In some embodiments, a Budoff score method is used (block 222). TheBudoff score method refers to the novel score method disclosed herein.The Agatston score is stepwise, which can reduce the rescan,interscanner and interindividaul reproducibility. The peak CTHU cannotrepresent the total lesion density optimally. For those reasons, a newscoring system, the Budoff scoring method, was created. In this scoringsystem, the mean (not peak CTHU) CTHU/100 is used as the calcium lesiondensity scale, The Budoff score=area (mm²)×mean CTHU/100, or CAC focivolume/slice thickness×mean CTHU/100.

In some embodiments, a calcium mass calculation is performed (blocks224, 226). The calcium lesion mass (mg) formula is:

volume (mm³)×density of CaHA (mg/mm³)

-   -   the density represented by calibration factor.

In traditional CAC foci mass measurement, the density value isestimated, not calculated with use of a calibration phantom. Others usedthe formula induced by calibration phantom. In this score system, thecalibration factor (CF, mg/cc/CTHU) of calibration phantom plugs(displayed on FIG. 5) is used to translate the CTHU to mg/mm³ of calciumfoci, like BMD measurement, a given Foci Mass=CF×volume (mm³).

For patients with a traditional calibration phantom, the BMD formula isCTHU×AF, calculated from the phantom plugs or by the ratio of CTHU/mg/cc(BMD=CTHU/ratio).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method fordetermining thoracic bone mineral density. The method illustrated inFIG. 3 is similar to the method disclosed in reference to FIG. 2, exceptthat the scan is performed without a calibration phantom (block 304). Animage is reconstructed from the scan data (block 304). Oncereconstructed, the thoracic spine and heart image are displayed (block306).

In some embodiments, the BMD of three thoracic spines 3T is determined(block 308) and/or a coronary artery calcium score is completed usingthe calculation disclosed herein (block 318).

The computed tomography Hounsfield unit (CTHU) of three thoracic spines(3T) is measured (block 308). In this aspect, a first spine CTHUmeasurement is taken at the spine level beginning at the main coronaryartery. A second CTHU measurement is taken at the spine level beginningat the main coronary artery. Finally, a third CTHU measurement is takenat the spine following the first two spines. Next, CTHU is translated tomg/cm³ (block 310) by the ratio of CTHU/mg/cc displayed on table 5 (ifusing a new calibration phantom, see FIG. 5) or by the ratio of phantomplug with 150 mg/cc (or mean of 100-200 mg/cc). According to thetechnique disclosed herein, the thoracic spine CTHU can be measured by avariety of scanners then translated to mg/cm³.

In EBT scanner, the location of fixed X-ray target is under table withrange angle of 210°, this design inducing more X-ray dose receipted byphantom (reference) area and significantly higher CTHU than the spine.Therefore, the BMD by EBT is lower than MDCT in the same individual. Onehundred and fifty six cases who underwent CAC study by both EBT and64-row detector GE scanner (VCT, GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Wis.) on thesame day were used to compare and normalize the BMD values betweenscanners. In comparing the mBMD value of both scanners (EBT andMDCT-GE64), there was an average underestimation of 18% as measured byEBT as compared to the GE scanner. Currently, most QCT and cardiacstudies are performed using MDCT scanners. To normalize the EBT C300 andC150 scanner) to the MDCT, we used the following formula (Y=1.082X+12.5,R=0.97). In EBT eSpeed scanner, the translating Formula is Y=1.1 X.

Formulas for translating the CTHU values for each of the different typesof scanners are listed below. One can use the formulas or usecalibrating factor (CF) to calculate BMD (BMD=spinal HU×CF) or CAC massscore (=CAC foci mean HU×CF) on phantom less CAC images.

-   C100: y=0.9+13.11, R=0.97, n=344, 130 kVp, Calibrating factor=0.99-   eSpeed: Equivalent value with GE scanner=0.98 X HU (by eSpeed    scanner)+2.86 (mg/cm³), R=0.98, n=330, 130 kVp, Calibrating    factor=0.86-   C150: Equivalent value with GE scanner=0.95 X HU (by C150    scanner)+7.34 (mg/cm³), R=0.99, n=3701, 130 kVp, Calibrating    factor=0.84-   C300: Equivalent value with GE scanner=0.9 X HU (by C300    scanner)+14.3 (mg/cm³), R=0.97, n=1959, 130 kVp, Calibrating    factor=0.83    For multiple detector CT scanners, the Formula, calibrating factor    was listed on Table 4:

TABLE 4 Calibrating factor and calculation formula with CTHU in variousMDCT scanners Scaner and ditector NO CF Formula R value kVP Philips 256186 0.874 y = 0.855x + 3.088 R² = 0.965 120 Philips 64 200 1.006 y =0.888x + 2.959 R² = 0.994 120 Philips 16 210 0.982 y = 0.937x + 5.570 R²= 0.993 140 Toshiba 320 200 0.906 y = 0.929x − 4.718 R² = 0.995 135Toshiba 64 170 0.914 y = 0.904x R² = 0.978 135 Toshiba 16 200 0.973 y =0.983x + 4.065 R² = 0.986 135 HEHD 64 194 0.91 y = 0.860x + 7.588 R² =0.991 120 Ge 64 185 0.923 y = 0.889x + 5.648 R² = 0.991 120 Ge 16 2440.804 y = 0.829x − 1.859 R² = 0.992 120 Siemens Dual 195 1.031 y =0.967x + 7.772 R² = 0.952 120 Siemens 64 216 0.954 y = 0.934x + 5.723 R²= 0.989 120 Siemens 16 180 0.975 y = 0.962x + 2.676 R² = 0.995 140

The value of yBMD in the young sample group (30 years) was calculated(block 312). The yBMD value was found to be 221.9 in females and 215.2mg/cm³ in males. The standard deviation (SD) of both gender groups was36 (in female) and 32 (in male) mg/cm³.

Next, T and Z scores were calculated (block 314). The T score is acomparison of a person's yBMD to that of a healthy 30 year old of thesame sex and ethnicity. The Z score is a number of standard deviations apatient's BMD differs from the average BMD of others of their same age,sex and ethnicity. The T score formula for the TQCT measurement with theCAC scan was derived based on the ymBMD and the SD. In one embodiment, Tscore=(individual mBMD-221.9)/36 in females; T score=(individualmBMD-215.2)/32 in males. The Z score of mBMD in a general individual wascalculated by the formula Z score=(individual mBMD-piBMD)/36 (or 32) infemale and male respectively. From the T and Z scores calculated, thebone status of the subject is estimated (block 316). Representatively,comparing the young group, a T score value of less than −2.5 isconsidered osteoporosis in any aging groups and a T score of less than−1 is considered osteopenia. The Z score value can be used to estimateosteoporosis in any aging group.

As previously discussed, coronary calcium score may also be determined(block 318). The Agatston score method (block 320), Budoff score method322 and/or calcium mass calculation (block 324) may be used aspreviously discussed in reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an image displayed by a computing device (workstationcomputer). The left and right panels of FIG. 4 illustrate an axial imageand a sagittal image. From this image, BMD measurements as describedherein can be made.

FIG. 5 illustrates a calibration phantom with 11 plugs containingcalcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) in various density. Left 5 circles are CACBudoff score calibration phantom: Consists of various dense (130, 200,300, 400 and 600 mg/cm³ of CaHA or Human bone tissue) with the Agatstonvalue in 2.5, 7.5 and 50 closely. Right 6 circles are BMD and Livercalibration phantom: the BMD phantom consists of various dense of plugscontaining human nature bone or CaHA with 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/cm³.The liver phantom with a liver dense (60 CTHU measured by GE 64 scannerwith 120 kVp and 50 mAs) with 0 CaHA, made by human soft tissue or othermaterial. Currently two kinds of calibration phantoms are commonly used:phantom 1 has three plugs containing CaHA in 0, 75 and 150 mg/cm³ and 12inches in length and phantom 2 has 4 plugs containing CaHA in 0, 50,100, 200 mg/cm³ respectively (Image analysis, Columbia, Ky.).

To perform LQCT studies, an image with a calibration phantom underpatient's back is scanned, the plugs densities (CTHU) are detected bycomputer, and the formula to translate CTHU to mg/cc is computedindividually. Two shortcomings of commonly used calibration phantomsare: (1) the range of phantom plugs containing CaHA does not cover thecommon BMD values found in the thoracic spine; and (2) the ratio ofHU/mg/cc varies significantly throughout the length of the spine.Theoretically, the optimal translation method is using the ratio(HU/mg/cc) of a given phantom plug to correct the spine BMD that closedin HU with used plug.

To design an optimal plug size of calibration phantom, we have obtainedthe BMD contribution of thoracic spine vertebrae in 9807 generalpopulation undergoing CAC scans displaying in following Table 5.

According to these values, the 6 plugs can be used to make a newphantom, there are plugs containing the various concentration of CaHAdisplayed in Table 5. The plugs containing 60 mg/cc CaHA can be used tocalibrate the liver. Overall, 99% of thoracic BMD range can be coveredby using the new calibration phantom displayed in FIG. 5. The benefitsof using this new calibration phantom are: (1) Covering 99% of BMD rangeof thoracic vertebrae; and (2) Decrease the calculation error by use ofa formula (3). Can be used to calculate CAC fuci mass score andcalibrate CAC score.

In some embodiments, a new computer system for BMD measurement iscontemplated. The computer system may include a computer programimplemented by a workstation BMD computer. For the CT image with a newcalibration phantom, the program may be used to perform the followingoperations:

-   -   1. Detect the CTHU of calibration phantom plugs and calculating        the ratio of HU/mg/cc or CF (mg/cc/CTHU),    -   2. Detect the CTHU of given thoracic spine,    -   3. Translate CTHU to mg/cc of this spine by using the ratio of        plug that is closest to the density of the spine itself. For        example: If the CTHU of a given thoracic spine is 63, the CTHU        is 85 at plug containing CaHA in 75 mg/cc, that is close with        the 63 hu, the ratio 1.133 (85/75) is 1.333, therefore        63/1.133=55.6 mg/cc in this spine. Or using CF (CTHU×CF)

In some embodiments, the computer program and a workstation BMD computercan be used for imaging with a traditional calibration phantom (0, 75,150 mg/cc) as follows:

-   -   1. Detect the CTHU of Plug with 150 mg/cc CaHA and calculate        ratio (150-ratio),    -   2. Obtain the ratio of a given spine (G-ratio),        G-ratio=150-ratio+D (difference between a given spine and plug        of 150 mg/cc). The G-ratio can be found from Tables 5 and 6.    -   3. Translate HU to mg/cc at a Given spine, BMD        mg/cc=CTHU/G-ratio, or CTHU×CF.

In other embodiments, the computer program and workstation BMD computermay be used in patients with a traditional phantom (0, 50, 100 and 200mg/cc) as follows:

-   -   1. Detect the CTHU of Plug with 100 and 200 mg/cc CaHA and        calculate the 150-ratio (150-ratio,=mean ratio of 100 and        200-ratio),    -   2. Obtain the ratio of a given spine (G-ratio),        G-ratio=150-ratio+D value (difference between a given spine and        plug of 150 mg/cc). The G-ratio can be find from following        table, displayed on [0068] and [0069].    -   3. Translate HU to mg/cc at a Given spine, BMD        mg/cc=CTHU/G-ratio, or CTHU×CF.

The analysis is the ratio of different density of the spine in 22,269patients to establish norms for different scanners for thoracicvertebra. From this data, the optimal calibration plug size andcalibration method for a computer system is derived. In Table 6, thevalue of >400 mg/cc were measured from cortical bone or calcium foci.

D values of given spine with varying range of BMD and scanners wereobtained from Table 6 (D value=a G-ratio−C150-ratio), C150-ratio is thevalue of ratio in spine with the dense in 150 mg/cc of phantom plug.

In some embodiments, the computer program and a workstation BMD computermay be used in patients without calibration phantom. The system candetect the CTHU of mid trabecula of 3T in 6 mm thickness automatically.The system then translates CTHU to mg/cc by the ratio in varyingscanners: CTHU/G-ratio, displayed on Table 6, or by formulas previouslydiscussed.

A device, such as device 101, for performing the operations herein maybe specially constructed for the required purposes or it may comprise ageneral purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by acomputer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may bestored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but not limitedto, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs andmagnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random accessmemories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, Flashmemory devices including universal serial bus (USB) storage devices(e.g., USB key devices) or any type of media suitable for storingelectronic instructions, each of which may be coupled to a computersystem bus.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized deviceto perform the described method. In addition, the invention is notdescribed with reference to any particular programming language. It willbe appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used toimplement the teachings of the invention as described herein.

A computer readable medium includes any mechanism for storinginformation in a form readable by a computer. For example, a computerreadable medium includes read only memory (“ROM”), random access memory(“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flashmemory devices or other type of machine-accessible storage media.

In the preceding detailed description, specific embodiments aredescribed. It will, however, be evident that various modifications andchanges may be made thereto without departing from the broader spiritand scope of the claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, is to be regarded in an illustrative rather thanrestrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: obtaining an image of aspine region at a level comprising a left main coronary artery;identifying a portion of the image comprising a body location levelcomprising the left main coronary artery; identifying a cerebral centerat a spine region containing the left main coronary artery; measuring abone mineral density at a first spine region containing the left maincoronary artery; measuring a bone mineral density at a second spineregion following the spine region containing the left main coronaryartery; measuring a bone mineral density at a third spine regionfollowing the second spine region containing the left main coronaryartery; and averaging the results of the measurements at the first,second and third spine regions to obtain a thoracic trabecular bonemineral density measurement.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the imageis a computed tomography (CT) image containing a heart and a thoracicspine.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is a computedtomography (CT) image containing the left main coronary artery and atleast three thoracic spines.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the imageis a computed tomography (CT) image obtained at a temporal resolution ofless than 400 milliseconds/rotation.
 5. A system comprising: a computingdevice for averaging the results of a measurement of bone mineraldensity at a first spine region, a second spine region and a third spineregion to obtain a (3T) thoracic trabecular bone mineral densitymeasurement.
 6. A machine readable medium containing a set ofinstructions that when executed cause a computing device to perform amethod comprising: averaging the results of a measurement of bonemineral density at a first spine region, a second spine region and athird spine region to obtain a thoracic trabecular bone mineral densitymeasurement.